Lincoln, Massachusetts’ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

Last updated: 2017

What You Need to Know:

Providing affordable housing to families and individuals whose income is between 60% and 80% of area median income.

Providing housing opportunities to young families, single parents, veterans, seniors, town employees and employees of small local businesses.
Providing income to residents, especially those with modest incomes, to remain in their homes.
Adding units to the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) at little cost to the Town.
Scattering affordable housing throughout the town.
Contributing to the efficient use of land and structures.
Adding a unit of housing without increasing a home’s footprint, which means less environmental impact.

The house will retain the appearance of a single-family residence
The apartment will have a separate entrance
There is off-street parking
The changes are not detrimental to the neighborhood
The apartment does not exceed 1200 square feet or more than 35% of the home’s square footage
There is an adequate septic system
Provide certified architectural plans

DHCD requires a 15-year Deed Restriction recorded at the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds
The Deed Restriction terminates upon sale of the property
DHCD allows a Deed Restriction to be voluntarily terminated with 60 days’ notice at the end of a tenant’s lease term

Homeowners will qualify for a real estate tax exemption on the portion of the property that is dedicated to an Affordable Accessory Apartment. No property tax will be charged for the portion of the property used for affordable housing purposes.
The Affordable Housing Trust will grant 10 year, $25,000 loans to homeowners. The loans are interest free and will be forgiven if the accessory apartment remains on the Subsidized Housing Inventory for 10 years.